NATO defense ministers warn of fragile stability in Kosovo
NATO defense ministers warned Thursday of fragile situation in Kosovo on the eve of the unilateral declaration of independence, loosely scheduled for February 17.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Friday, February 08, 2008
However, the top defense official reiterated Alliance's determination to fully control the security situation in the province, despite potentially dangerous developments that might follow the move announced by Kosovo Albanian leaders.
"All the KFOR participants showed commitment for KFOR, for this very important role, this very important mission," NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer told reporters in Vilnius. "KFOR has to protect the majority and the minority alike - all citizens of Kosovo without exception, and create a climate of security and stability in these difficult times in the region."
Scheffer also said that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 provides the legal basis for continued presence of Kfor, which will stay in Kosovo even if the province declares independence.
"Yes, 1244 is the basis and will remain the basis for the NATO presence," Scheffer said.
NATO chief's statement followed the Russian warnings that the Alliance would be in breach of the UN mandate if it intervened against possible Serbian protests against Kosovo's independence.
Slovenian Defense Minister Karel Erjavec, however, said that the NATO has been well prepared for a series of potential scenarios which might erupt following the unilateral declaration of independence in Pristina.
NATO has some 17,000 troops deployed in Kosovo, but the overall number could increase if situation in troubled province deteriorates following the unilateral declaration of independence and simultaneous Albanian celebration and Serbian protests.
